Muscat – The Diwan of Royal Court launched Dhofar: Monsoon Mountains and Sand Seas. It was launched in conjunction with activities at the 26th Muscat International Books Fair.
Dr Andrew Spalton, Dr Hadi Mussalam al hikmani wrote the book. Dr Hikmani is a wildlife specialist who co-authored the book. He explained that it contains eight chapters and a general introduction. He explained that the book’s first chapter examines the wide range of natural landscapes in Dhofar. It includes fertile green mountains in south and towering sand dunes in the Empty Quarter desert north.
Other chapters discuss the biodiversity of the governorate’s fauna and flora, as well as the climate and water resources, and traditional livelihoods of its residents. The final chapter focuses on environmental sustainability.
Spalton, a wildlife specialist and former advisor in the Diwan of Royal Court on environmental affairs, said that Dhofar was known as the Land of Frankincense since ancient times, but is now better known for its khareef period. Dhofar is home of many wild plants and animals that aren’t found anywhere else in the world.
He also said that Dhofar has a rich history dating back nearly 13,000 year. The people of Dhofar relied on the sea and land to sustain their livelihoods until the 20th century. Most communities’ main activity was livestock grazing. Fishing was the main activity for coastal communities.
He said that while modern life is a reality today, people are still connected to their traditional livelihoods.
This book is the first comprehensive document of environmental diversity in the governorate. It features rare photographs and rich text that provides accurate information about the region’s people, climate, and plant life.
